Real Madrid firing on all cylinders as Villarreal come to town

Real Madrid will look to carry on plundering the goals and push ahead in the early stages of the LaLiga title race when they host mid-table Villarreal on Saturday. Real have picked up 16 from a possible 18 points so far and have rarely looked troubled, something which cannot be said for rivals Atletico Madrid […]

Real Madrid will look to carry on plundering the goals and push ahead in the early stages of the LaLiga title race when they host mid-table Villarreal on Saturday.

Real have picked up 16 from a possible 18 points so far and have rarely looked troubled, something which cannot be said for rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

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That is in no small part due to Karim Benzema’s form, with the Frenchman putting in another stellar display in Wednesday’s 6-1 hammering of Mallorca as he took his league tally to eight goals and seven assists for the campaign.

“The fact he’s scored so many sometimes makes you forget the work he does for the team and assists he provides. He’s so complete,” Real manager Carlo Ancelotti said.

Madrid have netted 21 league goals – 10 more than any other side – so far, and the Italian lavished praise on his fringe players who have stepped up when needed due to injuries.

“We’ve got a good mix between youth and experience in the squad. I’m happy that the players who have not featured much are ready to play. It’s a really good sign for the squad,” he said.

With six first-team regulars missing, the fringe players will be called upon again for the visit of Unai Emery’s Villarreal, who remain undefeated but only secured their first win of the season on Wednesday as they hammered Elche 4-1.